Health workers back ex-trust chief Yeates

More staff and managers from Stafford and Cannock's hospitals have spoken out in support of ex-chief executive Martin Yeates.

Mr Yeates, the former boss of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, resigned on Monday in a move welcomed by health campaigners unhappy over care standards at the two facilities.

However, many employees at the trust's two hospitals have rallied round Mr Yeates, who was in the post for three-and-a-half years.

The trust's four elected staff governors, who represent hospital employees on the governors' body, have now issued a statement saying that this week's news left them in a state of "shock and devastation".

The statement, issued by Sandra Barrington, Julie Howden, Julie Maddock and Annie Simcox, said that Mr Yeates and former trust chairman Toni Brisby, who also resigned on Monday, were "inspirational" in their leadership.

It said they showed "commitment in their vision to make our hospital one to be proud of".

Referring to the Healthcare Commission investigation sparked last year, the statement adds: "When they joined the trust they inherited significant problems which they strived relentlessly to rectify and develop positive changes.

"The problems investigated by the Healthcare Commission were of significant concern to us as governors but through working with the board of directors over the last 12 months, we're aware of the steps taken immediately to address and rectify those areas identified as problematic and we are now seeing the positive results of the changes made."

Meanwhile, David Denney, a former non-executive director of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, said he heard the news with "shock and with great sadness".

His statement reads: "Being honourable people they have chosen to accept the final responsibility in the hope that the trust can be allowed to continue the progress it has achieved already under their leadership."

Referring to Mr Yeates and Mrs Brisby, Mr Denny said: "I think they will be sorely missed and I sincerely hope that the loss of these two key people doesn't lead to a slow down in the rate of progress."

An interim director, Eric Morton, has been appointed for the trust, along with interim chairman David Stone.

By Chris Gorman